The 19 Best Carry-on Backpacks for Your Next Trip

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2017’s best travel backpacks are both smart and stylish.

2017’s best travel backpacks are both smart and stylish.

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Dobrina Zhekova

June 08, 2017

When it comes to the perpetual dilemma of carry-on suitcase vs. backpack, it all depends on your personal preferences and travel needs. Although, we have to admit, we’re leaning towards the backpack option, not because we feel nostalgic about the good old schoolyard days, but because we’ve found it to be the more practical alternative of the two, especially on budget airlines where you’re more concerned with the weight of your luggage.

Most backpacks tend to be lighter than standard luggage (they’re often made of sturdy polyester) and smaller, too — usually fitting neatly under the seat in front of you. Plus, you can easily take your carry-on backpack from the airport to the beach and beyond, while using your hard-shell suitcase as your beach bag is perhaps not the most functional idea.

And if you’re a fan of rolling your way through airports instead of having to speed-walk between terminals with 15 pounds of stuff on your back, we have some good news for you. Many of our best travel backpack picks come with built-in wheels and a double-locking handle so you can have a suitcase and a backpack all in one.

Tech-savvy travelers will also love the smart features some carry-on backpacks have, such as solar panels and USB ports.

Here we rounded up 20 durable and stylish options to take with you on your next flight.

1 of 19Courtesy of Nordstrom

Marc Jacobs Nylon Knot Camo Backpack

You could also wear this cool camo-print backpack as a tote thanks to its two top handles.

Poketo Voyager Backpack

This versatile backpack has a leather clasp that makes carrying it as a tote comfortable, too. It features a large exterior and two interior pockets so you’ll have plenty of room to store your carry-on essentials.

Tumi Tahoe Butler Backpack

Adidas by Stella McCartney Convertible Backpack

This sporty, yet stylish backpack features multiple exterior and interior pockets and is made from lightweight polyester so it won’t take up much of your carry-on weight allowance. Bonus: the bottom compartment zips off and can be used as a fanny pack.

Briggs & Riley BRX Duffle

The sturdiness and versatility of this water- and dirt-resistant backpack will blow you away — it has a top handle and a removable shoulder strap in addition to its backpack straps, so you could wear it as a messenger bag as well.

Incase EO Travel Backpack

Patagonia Lightweight Black Hole Cinch Pack

This sporty Patagonia pack is lightweight, weather-resistant, and super easy to pack down into your luggage if you think you'll only need something for the return trip to hold all of your new souvenirs.

Ogio Soho Backpack in Windowpane

Eagle Creek DoubleBack Carry-on Backpack

The versatility is the real winner with this pack from Eagle Creek. It can be a roller or a comfortable backpack, and there's a day pack that's detachable from the front panel for smaller excursions during your trip. And for added security, the zippers are lockable.